Axis CEO John Hayes handing over mini bus to Maypole charityDisability

The Maypole Project

September 5, 2020By

Support for parents of children with life-threatening illnesses

The long and happy relationship between The Maypole Project and the Axis Foundation dates back to 2016. Then the Foundation donated a minibus to this Bromley-based charity supporting the families of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Christened Mayble, the minibus transports over 500 children a year to different events and activities. Mayble also carries parents who lack transport to support groups, events and activities.

“Everyone at The Maypole Project was absolutely amazed and delighted to hear that we were successful in our bid to gain a minibus. It will make a huge impact on the services we can provide to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families – where transport is frequently a major block to access. We will also be able to develop activities and outings that we have, until this point, put on hold! A winning asset all round – thank you Axis!” – Sally Flatteau Taylor, Founder and CEO of Maypole

“I think it’s brilliant. So many of us struggle just with the day-to-day and to get to a place is difficult. It will be great to get on the minibus and support the child there rather than have the child in the back of a small car, trying to take their seat belt off” – Maypole parent Ros Luff

“We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to the team at Axis for donating our wonderful minibus, Mayble. The Maypole Project organises lots of wonderful outings in their minibus which enable my child with special needs to be alongside their siblings … we think it’s absolutely amazing. Thank you to the team at Axis for donating Mayble, we would be lost without The Maypole Project’s support” Maypole parent

2017: Funding toys and equipment

The Axis Foundation made a further donation (£9,000, 2017) which helped purchase sensory toys and a wheelchair lift.

Sally Flatteau Taylor said: “Those who are chronically ill get great joy out of playing with sensory toys. The wheelchair lift gives direct and easy access to the family support room and the toilet which has been incredibly helpful for the children and their families. It has helped us support so many more children. It gives the children better access inside and outside of the building. The support from the Axis Foundation is amazing  is phenomenal for our charity. We really do appreciate it. It’s been really good to have the Axis Foundation’s support and belief in the work that we do.”

2018: Building a Sensory Barn for Maypole

In 2018 Axis Apprentices created a Sensory Barn in Maypole’s garden. This enabled all Maypole children to play safely in a stimulating and interactive room. It had long been on the wish list at Maypole and Axis was happy to help out. The full story of the Sensory Barn with pictures and video is here!

2019/ 2020: More support for Maypole

In 2019, the Axis Foundation made a further donation of £1,500 to help Maypole with their drumming workshops, which due to COVID-19 became online activities in 2020. A further donation of £5,000 in 2020 purchased more soft toys for the sensory cabin (built by Axis) and supported taking families on outings.

Maypole families said:

“Thanks so much again for accommodating us, it was such a lovely space for the kids. We had great fun and a great break.”

“We came to the horse-grooming/walking activity in Tonbridge and my child thoroughly enjoyed it. The peaceful setting, the one-to-one careful attention he received all helped to make it so memorable and enjoyable for him.”

“Thank you so much for the outing – we had great fun this morning.”

2021: Bespoke play boxes

The Axis Foundation funded 40 play boxes tailored to an individual disabled child’s needs with a donation of £1500 (2021). The Maypole Project recruited a play therapist to work face to face with the children (some of this online) during the Pandemic.

2022: Sensory play equipment

The Axis Foundation donated £6,866 towards sensory equipment, children’s t-shirts, and team sweatshirts. The sensory equipment includes floor mats, wall toys, fibre optic sparkle rugs, liquid floor tiles and light up toys.

“We are so truly appreciative of this generous award from the Axis Foundation to The Maypole Project – and of course all of the support – both financial and practical through the apprentices work in our buildings – you and your team have given us over the years that it’s hard to find the words” – Sally Flatteau Taylor, Founder and CEO of Maypole

2024: Specialist equipment

The Trustees agreed to support Maypole once again with a donation of £6,750 to purchase postural chairs, adjustable tables and iPads.

Total donations to Maypole

Our donations to Maypole Project, supporting families of children with life-threatening illnesses, came to £72,750 in 2024.

Here is what Sally Flatteau Taylor said to us in 2021:

We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful donations you have provided us across the years. They are all in constant use:
Minibus – used in lockdown to make visits to families and in full use every day during the summer holidays when we had had our fullest programme of outings and excitement yet  including visits to the beach, riding, sailing, bowling, climbing and even to a shopping centre
Stairlift for back office – well in use: as the pandemic lifted we found families were desperately in need of new spaces, new activities, new toys and sensations for the children so we turned the back office into a soft and sensory play space initially used by one family alone (cleaned between sessions by one of our team) and now more families can meet there.
Garden – in full use, as it was when your team wonderfully transformed it!
Sensory Cabin – we have added much sensory equipment in there to make it a play therapy centre for children, and a quiet and calming space for adults
Play Therapy and Play Boxes: The children LOVE THEM and they are a definite and permanent feature of our work.

There’s more about Maypole here

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Case of opthalmic equipment Fight against BlindnessCare

Fight Against Blindness

September 4, 2020By

Supporting children with sight loss and blindness

Fight Against Blindness offers genetic testing, and funds research to find treatments to cure eye disease. The charity also provides psychological support for children and families attending UK Hospital Eye Clinics and helps raise awareness of children’s eye disease.

The charity works at the Eye Clinic Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, the Oxford Eye Hospital (John Radcliffe), the Southampton Eye Unit (Southampton General Hospital), and Bristol Eye Hospital Children’s Unit.

The Axis Foundation has donated £8,460 to develop a Wheelie Ward Suitcase for use at Bristol Eye Hospital Children’s Unit to help the charity’s work supporting children with sight loss and blindness.

“We are delighted that the Axis Foundation are supporting our children” – Sarah Williams, Trustee, Fight Against Blindness

The suitcase will contain essential ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and is portable enabling clinicians to complete full assessments on children who have been admitted to hospital wards and cannot be attended to in the eye department because they are either on the paediatric intensive care units, are too unwell to travel in wheelchairs or are vulnerable to infection due to immune-suppression.

There is more about Fight Against Blindness here

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Woman and child reading togetherDonations

Literacy Pirates

September 3, 2020By

Getting on board to support young children with their reading!

Literacy Pirates helps disadvantaged children who are falling behind in their literacy. Our donations to Literacy Pirates which total £16,500 in 2022, support  300 children, helping them with their reading and literacy skills via the volunteer programme, and also improved the premises of the Hackney based charity via Project Shipshape!

“We are very pleased to have Axis Foundation on board as a supporter! The money will go towards the costs of running our volunteer programme which is so integral to the success of our Learning Programme. Thank you once again for your support. It is hugely appreciated by everyone at The Literacy Pirates” – Triona Larkin, Head of Fundraising

In 2021, the Axis Foundation – with City Plumbing Community Fund –  donated £6,500 to Project Shipshape. Project Shipshape transformed the Pirates’ Hackney premises providing a fresh coat of paint covering recent graffiti, a new fascia and a sea-waves mural up their books staircase which has also had new titles added with input from the children, reflecting the diversity of the local area and centring stories from a range of authors and protagonists.

 

“The striking entrance, murals on the walls and the books staircase will all combine to inspire creativity and motivation. Thank you Axis Foundation for continuing to support children’s learning adventures in your local community.” – Triona Larkin, Head of Fundraising

More about Literacy Pirates

Local schools refer children to the Literacy Pirates. Here they attend a year-long after-school learning programme at one of the two fantastical centres, the ‘Ships’, in Hackney or Haringey, both in east London. Trained volunteers give the children extra help with literacy skills and support them with their reading. At the same time they help them complete exciting published projects such as books, films and podcasts.

With the help of the Literacy Pirates, children’s reading age improves over 50% faster than age-related expectations.

In January 2014 the Literacy Pirates opened their dedicated learning centre (the Ship) in Dalston and in January 2019 launched a second Ship in Tottenham, Haringey. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, they built a virtual ship in two weeks, and offered weekly activities during lockdown.

There’s even more here!

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black pony standing in treesDisability

Barrow Farm

September 3, 2020By

Our pony provides riding for adults and children with disabilities

Barrow Farm offers subsidised riding, including to those with limited means, bringing fitness, fulfilment, friendship and fun to adults and children with disabilities.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £5,500 went towards purchasing a handsome new pony, Murphy, who can offer riding and driving experiences to at least five more people every week. A further donation in 2023 of £1,200 bought Murphy a new saddle!

Dr Karen Lehner, Vice Chairman of the Trustees, said: “We are truly indebted to the Axis Foundation enabling us to help more disabled children and adults. Murphy is a real people-loving horse and likes nothing better than to be petted for as long as you can stand there!”

More about Barrow Farm

Every week 130 riders and 11 carriage drivers with a range of difficulties enjoy the riding at this specialist centre in Essex where 13 horses and ponies, along with four paid coaches and over 80 volunteers offer support in a safe environment.

The father of one driver described his daughter’s riding session as  “the highlight of her week” while his daughter added: “ I am constantly striving to improve. It’s something new that I haven’t done before; I learn something new every time. Having a hobby outside of my work life distracts me from work and helps with stress.”

Barrow Farm loves welcoming new visitors  – find out more here – and when you drop in, do say hello to Murphy!

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Boxing school young men trainingDonations

Sandwell Asian Development Association

July 1, 2020By

Preventing crime and antisocial behaviour through boxing

Sandwell Asian Development Association (SADA) keeps young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime, promoting community cohesion, wellbeing, self esteem and physical fitness through their inner city boxing scheme.

In 2023, the Axis Foundation donated £1,000 so SADA could purchase new equipment (a Speed Ball platform, Geezers 6ft leather bag, Wing chun dummy, and ten pairs of boxing gloves). Our award helped SADA launch a non-contact boxing programme for young people (14-18 years).

This follows our previous (2020) donation of £1,000 to SADA to purchase a computer and boxing equipment.

“The boxing training has helped me to improve as a person and respect my elders. Thank you” – SADA service user

More About SADA

SADA runs an 8-week inner city boxing course for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Participants live in BME communities in Sandwell MBC and North West Birmingham; a high percentage have learning difficulties and come from disadvantaged and low income backgrounds. They are referred to SADA by the West Midlands Police, youth services and probation services.

West Midlands Police, Sandwell Council and ex-world boxing champion Ritchie Woodhall all support SADA’s inner city boxing scheme.

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Two young boxers holding their trophies after a fightDonations

Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club

December 12, 2019By

Giving disadvantaged youngsters a fighting chance through boxing training

Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club, open for nearly 100 years, is a haven for vulnerable youngsters in Cheshire. The Axis Foundation’s £5,000 donation bought new boxing equipment to improve the gym’s facilities. The new boxing equipment makes the club an even more attractive prospect for disadvantaged individuals.

Runcorn’s Head Coach, Darren, said “I’d like to thank Axis on behalf of everyone at the club, as well as personally. It’s great to find like-minded people with the same goal to improve the mindset of Runcorn’s kids on this issue and to help us help them. Again, thank you.”

More about Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club

Runcorn is in the top 5% of deprived areas nationally, so the boxing club is a place for young adults to engage in meaningful activities, away from negative influences like knife crime. It’s an important part of the community that helps children and young adults thrive, as well as exercise.

Preserving the facilities and maintaining equipment is an important part of keeping Runcorn open. Their fully-licensed community boxing club has over 100 members but is always welcoming newcomers. Their Knife Down Glove Up campaign plays a vital part in educating people about the dangers of knife crime. It will reach their immediate members as well as filter through parents to other families in the wider community.

Volunteer coaches make sure mentoring is aligned to the most vulnerable, helping youngsters develop both physically and mentally. The new gym equipment includes a boxing ring, which adds to the clubs great facilities. Runcorn welcomes children aged seven upwards, providing opportunities that could change lives and a space based on equal opportunities.

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Group pictures of volunteers at one of WellChild's Helping Hands projectsCare

WellChild’s Helping Hands project

December 9, 2019By

Making homes and gardens accessible for young people with exceptional health needs

Many children and young people live in homes which are not suitable for their needs. The Axis Foundation has donated £6,250 to WellChild, supporting children and young people with exceptional healthcare needs. Their Helping Hands project regularly enlists volunteers to create safe, stimulating gardens in the homes of sick children.

A donation like this will allow us to offer more help to families who really need it. We are very grateful to Axis for this kind donation to the WellChild Helping Hands programme.”- Lorna Pedersen, Head of Wellchild

Our funding will give at least four more children accessible sensory areas to enjoy. A sensory garden can be a haven for children with complex needs because it’s a place that allows them to develop. It is also a familiar environment, so children get the opportunity to actually enjoy playing outside.

More About Wellchild

Having children with complex conditions often makes going out as a family impossible. So Wellchild’s projects are a lifeline for families who need an outdoor space to spend time in together. The project offers organisations a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on their local community. Through volunteering days companies can have fantastic team building experiences, while improving the lives of many people. WellChild has already worked on over 390 gardens UK wide and has over 90 successful London projects.

To find out more, visit www.wellchild.org.uk.

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Two young girls stood next to plane at bader braves young aviator dayDisability

The Douglas Bader Foundation

December 9, 2019By

Opening up a world of opportunity for disabled children

Douglas Bader Foundation exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are born without – or who have lost – one or more limbs, or are otherwise physically disabled.

Their Bader Braves Young Aviator Days offer disabled children the chance to fly in a light aircraft. Our 2019 pledge of £3,000 meant that at least 40 children could take to the skies!

And our subsequent 2023 donation of £5,000 provides Koala ‘Mitt’ prosthetic limbs to amputee children, opening up a world of opportunity.

“All children have the right to realise their aspirations and discover their true potential” – David Bickers, CEO

Bader Braves Aviator Days

Flying is a brilliant experience for children because it puts a huge smile on their faces. It’s also fun for the family. As one parent said: “My daughter cannot stand or walk, yet she took to the air like a bird, flying over Pembrokeshire squealing with delight. We had such a wonderful day, brilliant – Thank You!”

Young Aviator Days improve life-skills and increase confidence. They help children push their barriers and focus on what they can do, rather than on what they can’t. The whole day includes picnics, a goodie bag, a DVD, and a certificate of bravery for each child.

“As a charity we rely on the generosity of donations,” says David Bickers, CEO. “They enable us to continue offering this exciting and inspirational project to children and their families. The wonderful donation from the Axis Foundation means we can secure the day for next year already, which is fantastic. It is wonderful for the children and their families to know already that the day will go ahead. They cannot wait!”

More here.

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Riders at Scropton Riding for the Disabled with rosettes and a horseDisability

Scropton Riding for the Disabled

December 9, 2019By

Helping disabled people enjoy the benefits of riding

Scropton Riding for the Disabled is dedicated to enriching people’s lives through horse riding. Our donation of £5500 will buy a new horse for the centre, to help more disabled people enjoy the benefits of riding. Scropton Riding for the Disabled is the only centre of its kind in the East Midlands.

Scropton Riding for the Disabled has changed my life – Matthew Dalley, rider at Scropton

Horse riding is an activity that vastly improves health and mental wellbeing. It helps break down barriers for disabled individuals whilst being a fun and therapeutic experience. Phoebe Burns, a rider, said she feels safe at Scropton. “It’s my favourite place to be. I feel unjudged, included, happy and I can spend time with my friends, both human and equine.”

Horses have a great impact on the lives of disabled adults and children, bringing joy to the faces of all the centre’s visitors. Matthew Dalley is another rider at the centre. He said: “Scropton Riding for the Disabled has changed my life, making me the person I am today. Riding has helped me develop in so many ways and now I am both a para rider and volunteer for RDA. I am so lucky to have such fantastic support from the centre.”

Horses are Scropton’s most valuable resource. One horse provides 10,000 sessions over 10 years. A new horse will provide more riding opportunities for more disabled children and adults.

Scroton Trustee Glynis Dalley commented: “The activities we provide here at Scropton make a very real difference to the lives of people who take part. Whether our riders come for therapy or to develop riding as a sport, the benefits spread way beyond their time in the saddle. For many it can be absolutely life changing. Our fantastic horses are key to what we do, and we are very excited that the Axis Foundation is going to help us expand our team, allowing us to help even more local disabled adults and children.”

To find out more, visit www.scropton.com

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Close up of parents and babyDemelza

Benjamin’s story by Liam Hayes

December 7, 2019By

Liam and Amy Hayes’ son Benjamin Jeffrey John Hayes was born on Sunday 12th May 2019 and sadly passed away 10 days later.

This is Benjamin’s story, told by Liam:

“I know many of you will have heard our news because you’ve been overwhelmingly supportive and caring, it’s been felt by both Amy and myself and is hugely appreciated. But I wanted to tell Benjamin’s story because I’m still a proud dad and also because it highlights the importance of charities like Demelza, who Axis supports through our Foundation.

“After a healthy pregnancy we arrived at the hospital excited about the birth and ready to meet our little boy. But our joy turned to concern when the midwifes discovered Benjamin’s heart rate had dropped in the final stages of labour and despite the best efforts of the midwifery team, the lack of oxygen being delivered his organs had left him with severe brain damage.

“Benjamin was transferred to the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit in Medway where the doctors and nurses gave him the very best care they could in the hopes of reversing some of the damage done to his brain.

“Very sadly this is something that cannot be predicted in babies and there is no reason as to why it happens. It is all out of anyone’s control. We now know that 3 in 1000 babies are affected by HIE during labour or at birth.

“Benjamin fought hard but despite his courage and determination his brain condition wasn’t going to improve and his little head just wouldn’t tell him to breathe.

“After the medical teams had done all that they could, we took Benjamin to Demelza. They helped us make happy memories, even at the toughest time our family has ever been through.

“We had a teddy bears’ picnic in the garden with Benjamin’s grandparents, aunties and uncles. We held Benjamin whilst we all had tea and cake and listened to music.

“When it was the right time for Benjamin to fall asleep, it was so calm and peaceful. Benjamin didn’t suffer any pain during his short life which gives us some comfort.

“During the darkest days the wonderful staff at the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit and Demelza provided support and comfort.

I felt it was important to share this because we’ve had so much support from friends at Axis and the Hospices, Amy and I wanted the chance to say a huge heartfelt thank you to you all.”

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and the people of Axis, the Axis Foundation’s annual charity ball in 2019 raised a record breaking amount for Demelza and the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit. More about the charity ball here

More about Oliver Fisher Neonatal unit here

More about Axis and Demelza here

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